The 1881-O is the second issue in the popular, low mintage trio of New Orleans eagles struck from 1880 through 1882. There are around 200 known from an original mintage of 8,350. This date is most often seen in the EF and lower AU grades and properly graded AU55 to AU58 examples are about as nice as is generally available for this issue.

This semi-prooflike slider shows little actual wear and far fewer marks than normal for the issue. Both the obverse and the reverse show pleasing natural deep yellow-gold and orange colors which are deepest at the obverse border. A small copper spot below the W in WE adds character and is mint-made.

Only two PCGS AU58's have traded at auction since 2010. Heritage 1/11: 7095 realized $6,325 while Bowers and Merena 11/10: 5241 brought $7,763.

This date is essentially unavailable finer than this and the present example would fit well into nearly any New Orleans eagle set.